At $28,619/yr net price, Dartmouth College graduates earn $97,434/yr within 10 years of enrollment, which is $63,434/yr above the median for high school graduates.
Cost vs. Outcomes
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Average Net Price (per year) | $28,619 |
| Estimated 4-Year Cost | $114,476 |
| Median Earnings (10yr post-entry) | $97,434/yr |
| Earnings Premium vs. HS Diploma | +$63,434/yr |
| Estimated Break-Even | 1.8 years |
| Graduation Rate (6-year) | 96.0% |
| Median Debt at Graduation | $17,500 |
What You'll Actually Pay
Average net price by family income
| Family Income | Estimated Net Price |
|---|---|
| $0 - $30,000 | $2,978/yr |
| $48,001 - $75,000 | $5,841/yr |
| $75,001 - $110,000 | $13,426/yr |
| $110,001+ | $51,575/yr |
Earnings by Major
Top programs ranked by median earnings
| Program | Level | Median Earnings | Median Debt |
|---|---|---|---|
| Health and Medical Administrative Services. | Master | $197,142 | |
| Business Administration, Management and Operations. | Master | $167,295 | $41,000 |
| Computer Science. | Bachelor | $113,015 | $18,490 |
| Mathematics. | Bachelor | $103,078 | $11,617 |
| Economics. | Bachelor | $87,604 | $18,132 |
| Engineering Science. | Bachelor | $78,343 | $17,083 |
| Public Health. | Doctoral | $77,715 | |
| Engineering, General. | Bachelor | $64,990 | |
| Political Science and Government. | Bachelor | $62,192 | $17,500 |
| Medicine. | Doctoral | $61,728 | $210,783 |
The Risk Factor
96.0% of students at Dartmouth College graduate within 6 years. Most students who start here finish their degree.
Analysis
Dartmouth delivers strong financial returns with median earnings of $97,434 ten years after graduation, making the $28,619 annual net price a solid investment for most students. The 96% graduation rate means you're almost guaranteed to finish your degree, reducing the risk of paying tuition without earning credentials.
Health and Medical Administrative Services leads earnings at $197,142, while Business Administration graduates earn $167,295 but carry significantly higher debt at $41,000. Computer Science offers the best balance with $113,015 earnings and manageable $18,490 debt. Economics majors should expect lower returns at $87,604, making this program less financially attractive despite Dartmouth's reputation.
The school's biggest financial risk is its limited aid reach. Only 14.83% of students receive financial aid, suggesting most families pay close to full price. If you need substantial aid, Dartmouth may not deliver the support you require. However, those who do qualify often see dramatic cost reductions given the low net price relative to typical Ivy League sticker prices.
Dartmouth works best financially for students from higher-income families who can afford the costs upfront or those rare aid recipients who gain access to the school's generous need-based packages. The strong alumni network in finance and consulting creates reliable job placement, particularly for business and economics majors willing to work in major metropolitan areas.
You should look elsewhere if you need merit scholarships or extensive aid programs. Dartmouth focuses on need-based aid, leaving middle-income families in a difficult position where they earn too much for aid but struggle with the full cost.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Dartmouth College worth the high tuition cost?
Dartmouth graduates earn $97,434 annually after 10 years, well above the national average, but the value depends heavily on your major. Health administration and business programs show strong returns, while other fields may not justify the cost.
What are the best paying majors at Dartmouth College?
Health and medical administrative services leads at $197,142 annually, followed by business administration at $167,295. Computer science ($113,015) and mathematics ($103,078) also provide solid returns on investment.
How much student debt do Dartmouth College graduates typically have?
The median debt is $17,500, which is relatively manageable given the school's high earnings outcomes. However, actual costs vary significantly based on family income and financial aid eligibility.
Does Dartmouth College provide good financial aid to make it affordable?
The average net price is $28,619 per year after aid, but this varies widely by income level. Families should run the net price calculator since aid packages differ substantially based on financial circumstances.